With a 5-1-2 record in their last eight games, the Islanders are catching the eye of the national media (again?). Today, both NHL.com and, locally, the NY Post upped the Islanders in their power rankings. Chris Botta was also featured on Puck Daddy and discussed the Islanders.

New York Islanders: When the calendar turned to March, the Islanders became a different team. They’re 5-1-1 this month, and if you throw out a 6-1 drubbing against the red-hot Penguins, they’re outscoring opponents 21-12. The Canadiens’ only regulation loss since Feb. 9 came against the Islanders.

The Islanders are quietly getting back in the playoff race. With a 5-1-1 record over their past seven, it’s time to prove they can be contenders with four home games this week including games against the Canadiens and Penguins.

The Islanders were ahead of the Rangers in both rankings.

Things could change quickly depending on how this week goes. The Islanders have three home games against three tough foes: Pittsburgh, Ottawa and Montreal.